Hagstrom Ke-usb36fs User manual

KE-USB36FS

USB Keyboard Encoder

User Manual

Toll Free 888-690-9080

Phone: (540) 465-4677 Fax: (540) 465-4678

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)

[email protected]

www.hagstromelectronics.com

1986 Junction Rd, Strasburg, VA 22657

V. 07.17

HAGSTROM

ELECTRONICS, INC.

Warranty

HAGSTROM ELECTRONICS, INC. warrants this

product against defects in material or workmanship for a

period of ONE YEAR from the original purchase date. We will

repair or replace (at our option) the returned defective unit

at no charge during this warranty period.

No responsibility is assumed for any special, incidental,

or consequential damage resulting from the use of or

inability to use this product. In no case is HAGSTROM

ELECTRONICS, INC. to be liable for any amount which

exceeds the purchase price of the unit, regardless of the

claim.

No other warranty, written or verbal, is authorized. This

warranty is applicable only to units sold in the United States.

Units sold outside the United States are covered by a similar

warranty.

Depending on the state in which you live, you may have additional rights.

Great care has been taken during the assembly, testing, and burn-in of

your KE-USB36FS to ensure its performance. If you have any questions,

please send us an email or give us a call. Support is available Monday

through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

customer service email: [email protected]

Call Toll Free 888-690-9080, or (540) 465-4677

NOTICE The KE-USB36FS product is designed to be used by

technically oriented computer users. When the KE-USB36FS is in

use, your computer’s signals and voltages are present on the unit.

Prudent handling and packaging is necessary to prevent damage to

your computer.

Thank you for purchasing the

HAGSTROM ELECTRONICS, INC.

KE-USB36FS. This product is configurable

in a variety of ways in order to meet your

specific requirements. Please take a few

minutes to read this manual before using

your KE-USB36FS.

NOTICE: The KE-USB36FS product is designed for use by

technically oriented computer users. When the KE-USB36FS is

in use, your Computer’s signals and voltages are present on the

unit. Prudent handling and packaging is necessary to prevent

damage to your computer.

Great care has been taken during the assembly, testing, and

burn-in of your KE-USB36FS to ensure its performance. If

you have any questions, help is available Monday through

Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

Toll Free 888-690-9080, or (540) 465-4677.

Custom KE-USB36FS Options

We offer custom modifications to our standard KE-USB36FS

unit to conform to your exact specifications. We can add special

features such as matrix scanning, display interfaces, and alternative

connectors, just to name a few of the options. Give us a call to

discuss your custom requirements.

Matrix Scanning

LCD Interface

LED Interface

Serial Communication

Alternate Function Keys

Custom Machine Interfaces

Questions or Comments?

Please give us a call!

Toll Free

888-690-9080

or visit us on the web

www.hagstromelectronics.com

email: sales@hagstromelectronics.com

CONTENTS

Introduction to the KE-USB36FS

Connection to the Computer

Interfacing to the KE-USB36FS Input Header

Keyboard Status Light Signals

Interfacing to the KE-USB36FS Auxiliary Port

Configuring the KE-USB36FS

Multiple KE-USB36FS Units

Appendix A - Specifications

Appendix B - Operating Tips

Appendix C - KE-USB36FS Read/Write from Command Line

Accessories

Custom KE-USB36FS Options

Introduction to the KE-USB36FS

The KE-USB36FS Keyboard Encoder is a product designed to

interface switches or other switching devices to a computer’s USB

port. The KE-USB36FS appears as both a keyboard and a mouse

to your computer system. The 36 inputs on the KE-USB36FS

header may be programmed to emulate any key from a standard

keyboard. In addition, any of the inputs may be programmed to

emulate the Left, Middle, and Right mouse buttons.

The KE-USB36FS features an auxiliary interface port which allows

direct connection of the signals from a trackball to the unit. The

signals received on this port from the trackball are converted into

mouse cursor

movement on

the computer.

The Auxiliary

port may

a lt e r n at i v e ly

be used as a

communication

port to connect

to our Relay-8

output board

and/or our

Rotary-5 rotary

switch input

product.

Using the Rotary-5 unit with the KE-USB36FS provides interface for

five quadrature type rotary switches. Keystrokes can be assigned

for movement detected on the Rotary-5 inputs for each direction.

Attaching our Relay-8 to the Auxiliary port provides control of the

relay outputs through the USB connection. Samples of software are

provided for integrating relay control into the user’s program.

USB Port

Auxiliary Interface Port

Status

LED

Interface

36 Input Header

Accessories

214

MTA100-5-36-FF

5 position MTA connector to 5 position MTA connector. Use to daisy

chain a Relay-8 and Rotary-5 board together when using both with

the KE-USB35FS and an MTA100-8/5-36FF. Provides the power and

communication from the KE-USB36FS when both a Relay-8 and Ro-

tary-5 are used. 3 ft Standard Length.

MTA100-8/5-36FF

8 position MTA connector to 5 position MTA style connector. Use to

connect either a Rotary-5 or a Relay-8 unit to the KE-USB36FS Auxil-

iary connector. 3 ft Standard Length.

The KE-USB36FS uses standard system drivers for its functions.

When using the unit for the first time on your computer, USB

drivers will be loaded for the device.

Connection to the Computer

The KE-USB36FS attaches to the computer’s

USB port. Use a standard A-B Male/Male

type USB connecting cable from the KE-

USB36FS to the USB port on the computer.

The KE-USB36FS may be connected

directly to the USB port on the computer or

through a compliant USB Hub.

Connect the type “B” end of the USB cable

into the KE-USB36FS and the type “A” end

into the computer or hub USB connector.

The KE-USB36FS may be

connected to the computer

with power on or off. If

“hot plugged,” the unit

will generally take several

seconds to become fully

active on your system.

Note: The first time you

use the KE-USB36FS with

a particular computer, the

system will load the appropriate drivers for the device. Follow

the default selections to load the standard drivers for the KE-

USB36FS.

The KE-USB36FS is powered directly from the USB port, so no

external power is required.

The KE-USB36FS is compatible with all operating systems which

offer full support for standard USB keyboard and mouse devices.

Figure 2 - Connection of

the USB cable to computer

Figure 3 - Connection of the USB cable to the USB

port of the KE-USB36FS.

520

KE-TBH3

Trackball interface cable.

This cable attaches the KE-

USB36FS Trackball input to

the Trackball itself.

Accessories

We offer several accessories to connect to your KE-USB36FS.

KE-USBMM6

6 ft. Male/Male Type

A to Type B USB

Cable

IOX36

Input Header to screw terminal

breakout board. This product connects

to the KE-

USB36FS

input

header

through a standard IDE cable

(included). Each input is brought

out to a separate, labeled, screw

terminal. Use for solderless

connection to the KE-USB36FS.

Interfacing to the KE-USB36FS Input Header

The KE-USB36FS features a 2x20 header for interface to your input

devices. The input header is arranged with grounds on the end

pins of the header, and the 36 inputs between them. The board

is labeled near each header pin, designating the input number

that the pin represents. Each of the pins may be programmed

to emulate any key on a standard keyboard as well as the Left,

Middle, and Right mouse buttons.

Inputs on the KE-USB36FS header are activated by shorting them

to one of the

provided logic

grounds on the

header. When

activated, the

input will report the keystroke that it has been programmed to

emulate. If held active, the keystroke will repeat (if programmed

to repeat), based on the repeat rates and delays set within the

computer’s operating system.

The inputs are intended to handle mechanical switch inputs and

are debounced for that purpose. Logic drivers may be attached

to the inputs as well, provided they are an active low, logic level

signal. Refer to the Appendix A on specifications for the timing of

logic signals. Never attach any external power to the Inputs.

The KE-USB36FS input header is a dual row header with .100”

spaced pins. This format is suitable for many readily available

connectors on the market, including a typical IDE hard drive cable.

Since all the inputs require the same logic ground reference, the

ground may be “daisy chained” to the common of all the switches.

We also offer a breakout board (our part number IOX36) for

interfacing to the KE-USB36FS. This interface board attaches to

the KE-USB36FS header through an IDE cable (provided with the

IOX36). See the Accessories page of this manual for details on

the IOX36. Appendix B demonstrates connection techniques for

Figure 4 - The KE-USB36FS Input Header

a Trackball. Use the controls for either the X or Y axis for the

Spinner, according to the axis on which the Spinner movement is

to appear.

In order to accommodate the various brands of Trackballs, the

KE-USB36FS provides check boxes to reverse the Left-Right and

Up-Down movements of the Trackball. If you find that one or both

directions of your cursor movement from the Trackball are reversed,

check the appropriate box in the configuration program.

The KE-USB36FS uses the standard USB keyboard buffer length

which allows for up to six keys being reported “ON” at the same

time. This limitation only pertains to KE-USB36FS inputs that are

programmed with the repeat selection enabled. Use of the Left and

Right Shift, Left and Right Alt, Left and Right Control, and Windows

GUI keys, can be used in addition to the six key limitation.

The KE-USB36FS has the option of repeating an input that is held

on. If the input is selected to repeat, that input will count toward

the six key limit. Keys that are set to not produce a repeat will not

be subject to the 6 key limitation, provided there are no more

than 5 repeated keys currently active. Note that inputs defined as

mouse buttons do not figure into the six key limit.

Inputs on the KE-USB36FS which emulate a multiple key sequence,

such as Shift+F1, will automatically have repeat disabled.

Appendix C:

KE-USB36FS Read/Write from the Command Line

In addition to the KEUSB36FS.EXE configuration program, the

disk supplied with the KE-USB36FS contains two command line

programs for reading from and writing to the KE-USB36FS device.

For details, see the README.TXT file included on the disk.

196

using switches with the KE-USB36FS.

Note: The KE-USB36FS allows all of the inputs to be activated

simultaneously.

Keyboard Status Light Signals

Keyboard status light drive is available with the KE-USB36FS. The

unit provides a 6 pin header for connection of the Num Lock,

Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock status LEDs. As shown below, the

Anode and Cathode connections for these diodes are labeled on

the board near the 6 pin

LED header.

As with the input header,

this LED header has

.100” spaced pins,

which are suitable for a

variety of connectors. Soldering to the pins is also an acceptable

way to attach wires for connection to your LEDs.

The KE-USB36FS will drive an LED directly from each Anode/

Cathode pair of wires. At 5 volts, the drive current is approximately

10 ma for each LED. The KE-USB36FS

has current limiting resistors built into

the unit, so connection to the user’s

LED may be made directly.

Figure 5 - Status LED connection

Figure 6 - Connection of LEDs to the

Status LED Header

Appendix B:

Operating Tips

The KE-USB36FS is configured as 36 individual inputs, which

are activated by shorting them to the common logic Ground

provided on the header. Since these inputs are individual, they

are completely separate, and cannot produce “ghosting” as in a

matrix application.

Inputs may also be driven from logic gates, provided they do not

drive voltage above the USB 5V supply on the unit. The logic

signals must produce an active logic low signal for the appropriate

amount of time as listed in Appendix A.

The recommended maximum cable length from the KE-USB36FS

input header to the input devices is 10 feet. The recommended

maximum cable length of the USB cable from the computer or

Hub to the KE-USB36FS is 10 feet.

The Trackball header may be used for a Spinner instead of

Figure 14 - Electrical connection example for switches to

KE-USB36FS header

Ground

Input 1

Input 2

Pushbutton

KE-USB36FS Header

718

Interfacing to the KE-USB36FS Auxiliary Port

Trackball Mode - The KE-USB36FS auxiliary interface connector

can accept optical signals from a device such as a Spinner or

a Trackball. Power

is supplied to the

trackball interface

from the KE-

USB36FS for 5 volt

operation only.

This interface is

compatible with the

most popular active or passive Trackballs and Spinners.

The Trackball header mates with the Hagstrom Electronics KE-

TBH3 interface cable (see Accessories page of this manual).

In addition, the user may create their own cable using the pin

assignments as shown below.

Figure 7 - The KE-USB36FS Auxiliary Port Trackball inter-

face. The connector features 8 pins spaced at .100” centers.

Figure 8 - Trackball Interface signal assignments.

Note: Do not supply any power into the Trackball interface connector.

Appendix A:

Speciﬁcations

Operating Voltage 5 Volts DC +5%, -13%, Supplied from

USB port (Bus powered)

Operating Current 100 ma Maximum

Operating

Temperature

0 to 70 Degrees C

Input Header 2x20, with 36 individual inputs and

4 Ground connections. .025” square

pins spaced at .100”

Required Input

Current

1.2 ma sink current typical

Input Active Time

(Debounced)

The input must be active for at least 20

msec to be considered valid.

3.25

3.00

.625 .625

.125

Dia (4)

Note: All dimensions are in inches.

178

A1 = Y axis signal

5V = Power for Y axis

GND = Ground for Y axis

B1 = Y axis signal

A2 = X axis signal

5V = Power for X axis

GND = Ground for X axis

B2 = X axis signal

916

Rotary-5 Mode

Using the KE-USB36FS auxiliary port with a Rotary-5 unit provides

5 channels of rotary encoder switch interface. Each of the channels

can be programmed to send a keystroke for each direction of the

rotary encoder device attached to the Rotary-5.

Use the MTA100-8/5-36FF cable to attach from the KE-USB36FS

to the Rotary-5. The supplied KE-USB36FS configuration program

is used to enable the Rotary-5 function on the auxiliary port.

In this configuration, the KE-USB36FS delivers the required power

to the Rotary-5 for operation. Refer to the Rotary-5 manual for

instructions on connecting rotary encoders to the terminal block

connections on the board.

Under each rotary encoder channel, the keystroke for each

direction may be assigned under the “A” and “B” selections for

each channel.

Select the checkbox to enable the Rotary-5 functions in the KE-USB36FS configuration program.

Multiple KE-USB36FS Units

Virtually any number of KE-USB36FS units may be attached to the

same computer. The configuration program for the KE-USB36FS

will recognize up to 4 units on a system and allow for them to be

programmed individually.

If multiple KE-USB36FS units are detected when writing a configu-

ration to, or reading a configuration from a device, the program

will display a list of the individual serial numbers of the units. The

program will show anywhere from two, up to the first four KE-

USB36FS detected on the same computer system.

Select the device to write or read from the Multi Unit box by match-

ing the serial number on the screen to the serial number of the

device to be written or read. Each unit has a serial number tag

located on the top of the board near the Auxiliary input header.

1510

Relay-8 Mode

When the auxiliary port is used with a Relay-8 unit, this configuration

allows for control of the eight relays on the Relay-8 through the

use of a provided .dll. The disk supplied with the KE-USB36FS

has a section which includes examples of integrating code into a

program which controls the Relay-8 output states.

Use the MTA100-8/5-36FF cable to attach from the KE-USB36FS

Auxiliary header to the Relay-8. The supplied KE-USB36FS

configuration program is used to enable the Relay-8 functions on

the auxiliary port.

To allow for Relay-8 control, the checkbox for “Relay-8 on Aux”

must be checked.

Refer to the Relay-8 manual for instructions on the use of the

Relay-8 terminal block outputs.

All Relay-8 control in this configuration is controlled through the

user’s program and the supplied .dll on the enclosed disk.

Select the checkbox to enable the Relay-8

functions in the KE-USB36FS configuration

program.

NOTE: It is permitted to use both a Relay-8

and a Rotary-5 unit at the same time. An

MTA100-5-36-FF cable, in addition to the

MTA100-8/5-36FF cable, is required to

connect both a Rotary-5 and a Relay-8 unit

to the KE-USB36FS Auxiliary port.

To save the configuration to disk, select File, then Save As, and

specify a file name. Configurations saved at a prior time may be

recalled by using the Open selection and choosing a file from the

selection list.

To save the configuration to the KE-USB36FS, select File, then

Write to KEUSB36FS. Be sure that the KE-USB36FS is connected to

the computer prior to this step. Once loaded, the new configuration

will take effect on the KE-USB36FS.

The configuration is stored on the KE-USB36FS in non-volatile

memory. Once a configuration is loaded into the unit, it will

remain set (even during power off) until changed by the user.

To retrieve an existing configuration from the KE-USB36FS, select

File, then Read from KE-USB36FS. Be sure that the KE-USB36FS

is connected to the computer prior to this step. Once loaded, the

program window will display the device’s current configuration.

Note: Loading a configuration from the KE-USB36FS will overwrite

any existing configuration settings in the program window.

14 11

Conﬁguring the KE-USB36FS

The KE-USB36FS is supplied with a utility program which allows

quick and easy setup of the inputs on the unit. Run the KEUSB36FS.

EXE utility program to start the configuration program. The menu

for the program appears as shown below.

The keystroke definitions for each input are shown in the key

definition box on the screen. The key definition box has the words

“Not Used” when the program initially starts. When inputs are

defined, the key definition box will then display the label for the

key to which that particular input is assigned.

To define a keystroke for an input, simply move to the line that

corresponds to the input number you wish to program, and select

the definition box to the right of the input number. Once selected,

an image of a standard keyboard is shown. Move your cursor to

the key which you want that particular input to emulate, and select

that key. The key you have selected will now appear in the key

definition box for the input number you have chosen.

being used as well as the type of signals the trackball is providing

to the KE-USB36FS.

The “Active High” setting is left

unchecked for most trackballs. If using

a vintage type trackball that can only

pull control lines high, check the box

for “Active High”.

Use the “Reverse X Axis” to transpose

the left/right movement of the trackball.

This setting allows for adaption of the

trackball type and orientation in a

particular application.

Use the “Reverse Y Axis” to transpose the up/down movement of

the trackball. This setting allows the trackball movement to be

adjusted for different types of trackballs and mounting.

The trackball adjusment selections only apply when the Auxiliary

input header is used for a trackball. If either the Rotary-5 or

Relay-8 checkboxes are selected, the trackball checkboxes are

disabled.

When a Rotary-5 and/or a Relay-8 unit is attached to the KE-

USB36FS Auxiliary header, be sure to check the appropriate boxes

to enable the function for the device.

Refer to the manual sections for the Relay-8 Mode and Rotary-5

Mode when using those options.

Saving the Configuration

Once the configuration has been created, it is recommended that

the configuration be saved to disk. The KE-USB36FS program

provides an option for saving the configuration as a custom disk file,

so it may be recalled at a later time for loading or modification.

12 13

Use this same technique to define each of the inputs that you wish

to use in your configuration. In addition to specifying an input

to emulate a keystroke, inputs may also be defined as either the

Left, Middle, or Right mouse button. Select Left, Middle, or Right

mouse buttons when the keyboard selection diagram is shown to

define an input as a mouse button.

Note that a Trackball need not be attached to emulate the mouse

buttons. The KE-USB36FS runs as both the mouse and the

keyboard at all times. If no Trackball device is connected to the

unit, no cursor movement will be initiated from the KE-USB36FS,

but the ability to emulate Left, Middle, or Right mouse buttons

remains.

Any input defined as a keystroke may also be combined with

a Ctrl, Alt, or Shift function, or any combination of those three

modifiers. To initiate a Shift with the specified keystroke, simply

check the box marked “Shift” on the same line as that input. For

example, if you wish to emulate a Shift+F1 key, define the input

as an “F1” keystroke, then check the Shift box on that line. An

input with additional Ctrl,Alt, or Shift functions automatically has

repeat disabled.

When configured as shown above, Input #1 would perform a

Shift function along with the F1 keystroke. This combination would

be the equivalent of holding down the shift key on your keyboard

and then pressing F1.

Note that the Control, Alt, and Shift selection boxes are used in

combination with a key. If an input is to emulate only a Control,

Alt, or Shift, do not use these check boxes. Use the keys from

the Key selection diagram to program an input as one of these

modifiers keys (Control, Alt, or Shift).

If the input is to produce a repeated keystroke when held active,

the check box for the repeat function may be selected. When

active, the repeat function will perform a repeat of the selected

key exactly how your standard keyboard would handle a key held

down. The computer keyboard settings dictate the repeat speed.

Trackball Adustments

When the KE-USB36FS Auxiliary port is used for a trackball, there

are several option sthat may be selected with checkboxes shown

on the KE-USB36FS configuration program screen. These options

allow for tailoring the trackball response to the type of trackball

12 13

Use this same technique to define each of the inputs that you wish

to use in your configuration. In addition to specifying an input

to emulate a keystroke, inputs may also be defined as either the

Left, Middle, or Right mouse button. Select Left, Middle, or Right

mouse buttons when the keyboard selection diagram is shown to

define an input as a mouse button.

Note that a Trackball need not be attached to emulate the mouse

buttons. The KE-USB36FS runs as both the mouse and the

keyboard at all times. If no Trackball device is connected to the

unit, no cursor movement will be initiated from the KE-USB36FS,

but the ability to emulate Left, Middle, or Right mouse buttons

remains.

Any input defined as a keystroke may also be combined with

a Ctrl, Alt, or Shift function, or any combination of those three

modifiers. To initiate a Shift with the specified keystroke, simply

check the box marked “Shift” on the same line as that input. For

example, if you wish to emulate a Shift+F1 key, define the input

as an “F1” keystroke, then check the Shift box on that line. An

input with additional Ctrl,Alt, or Shift functions automatically has

repeat disabled.

When configured as shown above, Input #1 would perform a

Shift function along with the F1 keystroke. This combination would

be the equivalent of holding down the shift key on your keyboard

and then pressing F1.

Note that the Control, Alt, and Shift selection boxes are used in

combination with a key. If an input is to emulate only a Control,

Alt, or Shift, do not use these check boxes. Use the keys from

the Key selection diagram to program an input as one of these

modifiers keys (Control, Alt, or Shift).

If the input is to produce a repeated keystroke when held active,

the check box for the repeat function may be selected. When

active, the repeat function will perform a repeat of the selected

key exactly how your standard keyboard would handle a key held

down. The computer keyboard settings dictate the repeat speed.

Trackball Adustments

When the KE-USB36FS Auxiliary port is used for a trackball, there

are several option sthat may be selected with checkboxes shown

on the KE-USB36FS configuration program screen. These options

allow for tailoring the trackball response to the type of trackball

14 11

Conﬁguring the KE-USB36FS

The KE-USB36FS is supplied with a utility program which allows

quick and easy setup of the inputs on the unit. Run the KEUSB36FS.

EXE utility program to start the configuration program. The menu

for the program appears as shown below.

The keystroke definitions for each input are shown in the key

definition box on the screen. The key definition box has the words

“Not Used” when the program initially starts. When inputs are

defined, the key definition box will then display the label for the

key to which that particular input is assigned.

To define a keystroke for an input, simply move to the line that

corresponds to the input number you wish to program, and select

the definition box to the right of the input number. Once selected,

an image of a standard keyboard is shown. Move your cursor to

the key which you want that particular input to emulate, and select

that key. The key you have selected will now appear in the key

definition box for the input number you have chosen.

being used as well as the type of signals the trackball is providing

to the KE-USB36FS.

The “Active High” setting is left

unchecked for most trackballs. If using

a vintage type trackball that can only

pull control lines high, check the box

for “Active High”.

Use the “Reverse X Axis” to transpose

the left/right movement of the trackball.

This setting allows for adaption of the

trackball type and orientation in a

particular application.

Use the “Reverse Y Axis” to transpose the up/down movement of

the trackball. This setting allows the trackball movement to be

adjusted for different types of trackballs and mounting.

The trackball adjusment selections only apply when the Auxiliary

input header is used for a trackball. If either the Rotary-5 or

Relay-8 checkboxes are selected, the trackball checkboxes are

disabled.

When a Rotary-5 and/or a Relay-8 unit is attached to the KE-

USB36FS Auxiliary header, be sure to check the appropriate boxes

to enable the function for the device.

Refer to the manual sections for the Relay-8 Mode and Rotary-5

Mode when using those options.

Saving the Configuration

Once the configuration has been created, it is recommended that

the configuration be saved to disk. The KE-USB36FS program

provides an option for saving the configuration as a custom disk file,

so it may be recalled at a later time for loading or modification.